The usual penalty for Haskell's offence was six weeks but due to his guilty plea, his remorse and seemingly flawless record of no previous citings this period was reduced to three. However, it was brought to SANZAR duty judicial officer Mike Heron's attention that Haskell had in fact received a one-week suspension back in 2008 while playing for Wasps.

After that was brought to light, Haskell was called back in front of the disciplinary panel and Heron readdressed his decision.

"Because Haskell had a previous disciplinary matter, I find I am not able to give him the maximum discount as previously allowed," Heron said. "The comments regarding the impressive record are modified to that extent only. The discount for his guilty plea, remorse and the record as now corrected, is a period of two weeks.

"The final penalty is a suspension of four weeks, which is the period to and including Saturday 26 May 2012 (four scheduled Super Rugby matches)."